Mahabharata Continued for returning students from last semester & Astalakshmi Stotram

Nine and Above (Krishna Batch)

Lives of Saints, About the Temples, Benefits of Visiting Temples for new students & Astalakshmi Stotram

Bal Vikas has two batches, which meet on alternate Sundays, starting on Sep 9 & 16, 2018 from

10:15 am – 11:55 am, followed by lunch prasad.

Bal Vikas starts precisely at 10:15 AM with group practice of Yoga/Surya Namaskar taught by a qualified yoga instructor. At 10:30, children break into groups by age. Children can start at four years of age, and usually graduate out of Bal Vikas by age 11 or 12, when they may join the Teen Class. The class begins with a short Aum Meditation, then a story is read. In 2018-2019, students will study stories from the gem of Veda Vyasa, the Mahabharata. After reading the story, students discuss the story and its relevance to their life. Then a Sanskrit sloka is learned. (Many grandparents in India listen with great delight as young children repeat slokas over the phone!) Then, depending on age group, a word puzzle or crayon drawing is done by each student. This concludes the class by age group; finally all age groups meet together to answer questions about the lesson, and then to perform a short Baba Aarati together. Finally, a snack is distributed and class ends by 12:00 Noon.

The purpose of the classes is to BUILD CHARACTER, learn Human Values, and basic Hindu Principles.

Bal Vikas classes are designed to give the child the moral values to face life. The most important quality to build in a child is CHARACTER. Through the telling of stories and group discussions, the child learns the subtle differences between right and wrong, and good and bad. The lessons learned and the habits developed through Bal Vikas help a child navigate the treacherous waters of life not just as a youth, but for their whole lifetime.